Beyoncé made a highly anticipated appearance alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Houston on Friday, marking her first public endorsement of a presidential candidate this election cycle. The singer was introduced by her mother, Tina Knowles, and shared the stage with former Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland. The event also featured a performance by country music legend Willie Nelson.
During her speech, Beyoncé emphasized her role not as a celebrity or politician, but as a concerned mother. “We are at the precipice of an enormous shift,” she stated. “I’m here as a mother, a mother who cares about the world our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we are not divided.” She urged the crowd to vote, expressing her belief in a collective cause. She concluded by rallying support for Harris, saying, “Let’s do this. Ladies and gentlemen, give a big, loud Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
Harris, in her address, focused on the importance of reproductive rights. “In America, freedom is not to be given. It is ours by right,” she declared, asserting that women should have the autonomy to make decisions regarding their bodies without government intervention. She pledged to sign any bill restoring reproductive freedoms once passed by Congress.
Prior to Beyoncé’s remarks, Rowland inspired the audience by stating, “We are writing a new American story of kindness and hope.” Knowles encouraged the crowd’s enthusiasm, acknowledging their support and humorously reflecting on her diverse career experiences.
Beyoncé’s appearance puts to rest months of speculation about her potential endorsement of the Democratic nominee. Reports suggest she approved the use of her song “Freedom,” which promotes empowerment for Black women and has become an anthem for Harris’ 2024 campaign.
There was previous speculation regarding a possible sighting of Beyoncé at the Democratic National Convention, but organizers later clarified she did not plan to attend. Ricky Kirshner, a convention organizer, stated that they consistently denied rumors about her appearance.
Beyoncé joins a notable list of celebrities supporting Harris in this election, including Tony Goldwyn, Mindy Kaling, and Kerry Washington, all of whom made statements during the DNC. Additionally, several artists like Pink, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend performed, and notable figures including Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift have also expressed their backing for Harris.